The Multi-Agency Response Approach To The Management Of Oil Spill Incidents: Legal Framework For Effective Implementation In Nigeria

Abstract

The devastating effects of oil spill incidents on humans and the
environment can be overwhelming. Effects such as loss of life, forced
displacements, loss of property and serious health risks cannot be
overlooked. Also, the long-term damage to the ecosystem, sea life and
biodiversity are some of the long-term consequences of an oil spill
incident. Thus, a swift response to oil spill incidents is always necessary
in order to minimize these effects. The multi-agency response approach
emphasizes a holistic and coordinated involvement of several related
institutions and entities in order to ensure adequate response to any
category of oil spill incident. Even though the multi-agency approach
seems to be already embedded in relevant legislation on oil spill control
and containment in Nigeria, its operationalization has been less impressive.
This article discusses the practical relevance and implementation of multiagency response to oil spills in Nigeria. It appraises the efficacy of relevant
Nigerian legislation providing for multi-agency response to oil spill
control and containment in Nigeria, highlights the weaknesses of the
current regulatory arrangement, and suggests legal reforms to make the
multi-agency response approach more efficient and effective in Nigeria.
This includes the need to harmonize several overlapping legislations and
governance institutions on oil spill response and management to ensure
coherence and systemic integration.